How many times have you stepped into an old "mom and pop" shops where the technology is outdated and they don't even take credit cards? How many times have you worked for someone that is still doing inventory without a point of sale system? These are obvious examples of managers or business owners stuck in their own ways, but many managers are stuck in their old ways on many different accounts.
Here are a few ideas on how to get out of your typical routine.
First Idea, checkout local seminars on what small businesses are doing to survive in your vicinity.
Better yet go to a conference out of your area to see what other regions are doing to keep their competitive edge.
Many corporations do the same for their employees to help them develop.
This same concept should be considered for your business.
Second Idea, checkout blogs like Small Biz Survival or Small Biz Trends these two blogs have been probably my favorite to read from time to time to keep up on the latest trends.
Be sure to checkout the site Entrepreneur for a few other tips on a regular basis.
Third Idea, check in with your local SBA office from time to time to hear about the latest trends throughout the state.
The SBA office generally has researched many of the trends in your local area and compared them to different peer cities.
They also can find you a topic on just about any topic you desire.
Some even have a bunch magazines and books for you to checkout on running a business.
Being able to borrow these resources can help you avoid spending a great deal of cash.
These three ideas are simple and cost effective ways to help you become more educated to help you run your own business.
You want to be the best person to run your business and in order to do that you need to be educated and train yourself to be ready for change from time to time.
Look at it this way, if you wanted somebody to take over the management side of your business you would want them to be the most experienced and educated.
So why don't you expect the same from yourself? This concept may take some self reflection, but self reflection can be very beneficial and a mind opening experience to new opportunities.